Apparatus for vacuum sealing of containers



April 1, 1952 APPARATUS Filed Oct. 20, 1947 FIG.1

2 SHEETS-SEET 1 f T- 33 34 1 34 I I l a mvmoa PAUL. SCHOEMANN April 1, 19 2 P. SCHOEMANN 2 APPARATUS FOR VACUUM SEALING OF CONTAINERS Filed Oct. 20; 1947 2 sHEETs-sm T 2 INVENTOR PA UL I 5 chars MANN By ATTYS,

Patented Apr. 1, 1 952 OFFICE APPARATUS FOR VACUUM SEALING OF CONTAINERS Paul Schoemann, Toulon-Claret, France Application October 20, 1947, Serial No. 780,862 In France April 8, 1946 Section 1, Public Law 690, August 8, 1946 Patent expires April 8, 1966 3 Claims. 1

This invention relates to a method of extracting air from containers or any other objects in the cold state and in a particularly simple and economical manner.

The method consists of placing the container or other object from which the air is to be extracted in an enclosure in which a vacuum has been created, and applying an elastic action to the closing member of the container or to the object itself. This action is provided sufficient to prevent separation of the closing member from the container or of the object with respect to its support under the action of the difference of pressure. However, it must allow the air enclosed in the container or object to escape as a result of the pressure differential. After the air has been evacuated, the enclosure is restored to normal pressure conditions and this ensures a tight seal and a definite closure of the de-aerated container --or the maintenance of the object on its support.

With this method, the air is readily extracted at normal temperature and therefore without the aid of accessory means which are expensive or require delicate manipulation, while it can be carried out without providing any special means on the object subjected to the operation. The container thus treated is in no way deteriorated and may satisfactorily serve for further subse-- quent operations.

According to one embodiment of the method, the container or object from which the air is to be extracted is placed in an enclosure and an elastic action is exerted on the cover of thesaid container or on the object to be treated. A liquid is then introduced into the said enclosure, the elastic action exerted on the container or object preventing penetration of the liquid into the container. Upon evacuation of the liquid, a vacuum is set up in the enclosure, which causes the air to escape from the container by slightly lifting the cover or displacing the object under the pressure of the internal air. After equilibrium has been re-established between the enclosure and the object from which the air is to be extracted, is is merely necessary to admit the external pressure into the enclosure in order to effect a definite closure of the container.

The method can be applied to any form of air extraction. It is particularly advantageous for evacuating air from containers which are to hold oxydisable products and foodstuffs (such as preserves), and in this case the operation may be combined with a subsequent introduction of inert, aseptic or antiseptic gas. It may also be utilised in connection with other products, such I 2 as metal powders, pyrophoric products and the like.

However, it may also have numerous applications wherever it may be desired to effect a partial or complete extraction of air from an object, as in creating a vacuum in watches, incandescent lamps, radio valves and the like under a vacuum, the securing of objects to vertical or inclined surfaces by means of a vacuum (vacuum fixing), the sterile storage of surgical instruments, and the like.

The invention is also concerned with apparatus for carrying out the aforesaid method.

When it is desired to extract air from containers, the apparatus is essentiallycomposed of an autoclave chamber, the base of which is connected to a cylinder provided with a piston forming a suction and delivery pump and the cover of which is provided with elastic members bearing in an adjustable manner against the cover of the container from which the air is to be extracted.

According to a particular form of embodiment, the elastic member supports the fluid-distributing means enabling the vacuum to be set up and the external pressure to be returned into the autoclave chamber.

One embodiment applicable to the securing of objects to vertical surfaces comprises a bell with a suction cup, connected at its lower part to a suction and delivery pump, and at its upper part to the fluid-distributing means, and comprising a lateral member adapted to exert an adjustable pressure on the said object.

Two constructional forms of apparatus according to the invention are shown by way of ex.- ample in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure l is a vertical sectional view of an apparatus for the extraction of air from containers, and

Figure 2 shows an apparatus, also in vertical section, for securing objects by means of a vacuum. 1

The apparatus for the extraction of air from containers, as illustrated in Figure 1, comprises an autoclave chamber l of which'the base 2 is connected to a cylinder 3 constituting a pump body in which a piston 4 is arranged to be moved by any suitable means, either mechanical or manual. The chamber 1 is closed by a cover which is movable about a pivot 6 and which may be secured in its closed position by any suitable device l.

The cover comprises a frame 5 on which there is mounted an elastic diaphragm 8, for example of rubber, which is secured by bolts 9 between a ring I and a plate II. The center of the diaphragm 8 is connected to a member I2 hereinafter referred to as the movable cross.

The movable cross has four branches I3, I4, I and IS. The branch I3 is pivoted to a pin I'I secured to the frame 5. The branch I4 is subjected to the action of a spring I8 which tends to force it downwardly, this downward movement being adjustable by means of a device I9 and limited by a stop screw 20. The same branch carries an operating handle 2I. The branch I5 is secured to the diaphragm 8. The branch It forms a distributing chamber. The combination comprising the two branches I5 and I6 is centrally bored so as to provide a conduit 22 which communicates with vents 23. Pipes 24 and 25 are connected to the conduit 22 and are provided with valves or cocks 26 and 21 connected to flexible or rigid pipes 28, 29 respectively. A check valve is provided at 33. 3 I. is a drain valve.

Disposed in the autoclave chamber I is a detachable rigid annular member 32 constituting a support preventing excessive deformation of the diaphragm 8 in the downward direction. In the base of the chamber I is disposed a ring 33 serving to support the container to be ex-- hausted. This ring 33 is provided with radial slots establishing communication between the chamber I and the cylinder 3. There is also provided in the chamber I a devicefor lifting the container supported on the ring 33. This device comprises a ring 34 connected to a rod 35 slidable in a sleeve 36, when actuated by a handle 31. 38 is a vacuum indicator or pressure gauge.

Associated with the apparatus just described is a liquid tank 39 containing, depending on the purpose for which the apparatus is to be employed, de-gassed water, glycerine, mercury or any other suitable liquid. The pipes 28 and 29 project downwardly into the tank 39 as illustrated, the pipe 28 extending to near the bottom of the liquid, and the pipe 29 to a higher level above the liquid.

The apparatus functions in the following manner:

At the beginning of the operation, when the cover has been opened, the container 49 to be exhausted is disposed on the ring 33. This container is provided with a cover 4| and a suitable seal 42. After the container has been placed in position, the cover 5 of the chamber is closed and the regulating device I9 and screw are adjusted so that the branch I5 of the movable cross bears resiliently against the cover 4|, holding the container fast and exerting on the cover 4| a pressure which renders it fluid-tight owing to the seal 42, so as to prevent the admission of any liquid thereinto.

Upon the cooks 26 and 21 being opened, the piston 4 moves downwards. Liquid is sucked in from the tank 39 through the pipe 28 and the conduit 22 and is transferred into the chamber I and into the top of the cylinder 3 which has been cleared by the piston.

The cook 26 is closed and the piston 4 is then moved upwards. The air which was in the chamber I surrounding the container 40 and in the conduit 22, pipes 24 and is forced through the pipe 29 and escapes into the atmosphere, lifting the check valve 30. At the end of the operation, the liquid delivered by the piston 4 fills the clearance spaces and the gap between the container 40 and the chamber I.

The upward movement. of the piston 4 isstopped as soon as the liquid escapes through the pipe 29 into the tank 39. Further operation of the piston 4 in the downward direction produces a vacuum in the chamber I. However, as soon as the vacuum has been set up, an excess pressure is created inside the container 40 which is being subjected to the operation, and this excess pressure lifts the cover "II. The lifting of the cover is made possible owing to the elasticity of thediaphragm 8,. which permits the upward displacement of the movable cross I2, the branch I5 continuing to bear against the cover l I. This thrust may be instantaneously and completely eliminated .by an upward action exerted on the handle 2|, for example when it is desired to achieve a thorough de-gassing. It may also be effected by the action of the screw 29 in case it is desired to deliver into the container a gas such as an inert gas for instance, after evacuation of the container.

The air in the container it] escapes until the internal pressure of the container has again become substantially equal to that obtaining inside the chamber I, that is to. say, very low and approaching zero. The elastic diaphragm 8 then resumes its initial position. Since the cover M is no longer subjected to the internal pressure of the container til, it returns to its initial position. The container 40 is thus emptied of the air which was contained in it and is completely exhausted. The gas evacuated from the container 49 can also be collected in a reservoir 43 provided for this purpose and connected to the valve 2'! which is athree-wayvalve. The piston 9 is then raised to its initial position. The drain valve 3| is opened, whereby the chamber I is placed in communication with the external pressure. The piston i then descends, the liquid enterin the cylinder 3. tends to apply the cover GI against the container RI) through the interposed seal 42, since a vacuum exists inside the container. merely necessary to open the cover 5 of the chamber I in order to withdraw the exhausted container 40, the operation being facilitated by the lifting device 34-31. I v

In order to proceed with a further operation, a further container 49 from which the air is to be extracted is placed in the chamber I. When the cover is closed, the piston 4 is lifted, and the liquid contained in the cylinder 3 fills the space between the chamber I and the container 40. Downward movement of the piston 4 then again creates a vacuum, as described above.

As will be seen, the operation only requires simple manipulations. The production of a vacuum inside the container is obtained without requiring the provision of any orifice other than the actual mouth opening of the container being necessary, so that the container can be recovered after use.

The extraction of the air is thus effected at normal, temperature without the use of any heating which might be harmful to the contents of the container.

aseptic or antiseptic gas into the exhausted container. -I-t is sufficient-in the last stage of the operation to place the chamber I incommunica l The external pressure The vacuum obtained in the cold state is also dry. It will thus be seen that tion through the pipe 25 with a reservoir 43 for the desired gas, for example through the valve 21, which in this case is a three-way valve, or by any other means.

Figure 2 shows a similar device which is in tended to enable an object to be secured to a vertical wall by creating a depression or a vacuum between the said object and the Wall (suction or vacuum fixing). By way of example, the securing of a shelf 4 to a wall 45 will be described, the said shelf being formed with a cavity 46 in which the depression (or vacuum) is adapted to be created and being applied to the wall 45 through the interposal of a seal M. If, in particular, the shelf M consists of glass or the like and is secured to a glass wall 45, the joint ll is preferably made of transparent material, such as a suitable plastic material or the like.

The securing device comprises a fluid-tight casing I similar to the autoclave chamber of the preceding example. This casing I is open on the left. Its free edge is provided with a resilient annular member 68 adapted to form a suction cup when applied to the wall 55, thus ensuring instantaneous retention of the casing on the Wall.

At its opposite end, the casing I comprises an elastic closing member, similar to the cover described in the preceding example, which exerts a light pressure on the shelf M. This elastic closing member comprises a frame 5 pivoted on a pivot 6 and provided with closing means I. An elastic diaphragm 8 is secured to the frame 5 in conjunction with an abutting surface 32 which prevents excessive deformation of the diaphragm. The center of the diaphragm is connected by an arm I5 to a lever 49 which is adapted to rock about the pin IT. The lever 49 is urged downwards on its left part (as shown) by a sprin I8 to an extent which may be adjusted and limited by means of the screw 20. The arm I5 is provided inside the casing I with an extension 58 which bears against the shelf 44 and may be provided with means (not shown) for securing it to said shelf.

At its bottom, the casing I connects with a cylinder 3 in which a piston 4 is movably arranged. A connection may be established between the cylinder 3 and the annular member 48, as shown at 5 I5253, 5! being a pipe provided with a check valve 52 and a cook 53. At the upper part of the casing I is disposed the distributing device 22 to ill communicating with the liquid tank 39.

In order to secure the shelf 34 to the wall l5, this shelf, which may be supported by the part 50, is brought into contact engagement with the Wall 45 through the seal 47. The apparatus is so adjusted that a light pressure tends to be exerted on the shelf 44 by the action of the elastic members 3 and la. The casing I is then in the position shown, the member 48 being in contact with the wall i5. Either by a light pressure or by suction due to the connection 5I5253 from the cylinder 3, a depression is created in the annular member at which acts as a suction cup and ensures the retention of the casing I and of the accessory part thereof in the position shown.

By lowering the piston 4, a suitable suction of liquid from the tank 39 into the casing I is caused. By lifting the piston 4, the air is evacuated and the liquid fills the'casing I. A further operation of the piston in the downward direction sets up a vacuum in the casing I. The air retained in the cavity 46 exerts a pressure which moves the shelf 44 slightly away from the wall 45 and escapes into the casing I. However, this very slight amount of upward displacement does not produce any appreciable displacement of the shelf 44, which is subjected to the pressure of the elastic diaphragm 8 and is thus held in position. By then opening the drain valve 3|, the pressure in the casing I is restored to a state of balance with the external pressure and exerts on the shelf 44, from the cavity 46 of which the air has been evacuated, a considerable pressure which ensures its definite fixing on the wall 45.

The subject of the invention is naturally in no way limited to the forms of embodiment hereinbefore described. The devices for carrying out the method may be modified in construction and adopted in any desired manner. They may be provided with any additional means without departing from the invention.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for extracting air from a closed space inside a hollow object such as a container with a covering member, comprising a chamber to enclose the object having an opening and a said chamber with liquid and exhausting the liquid through said connecting means.

2. Apparatus for extracting air from a space inside a suction cup provided on an object to be secured to a wall, comprising a jacketto enclose a the object having an opening and a cover with a resilient wall to be hermetically sealed on said opening, means supported in said resilient wall.

having an internal extension, means exerting an elastic adjustable thrust to elastically protrude said extension against the object for applying it against the wall to which it isto be secured, means to adjustably limit the protrusion, a resilient annular member adapted to form a suction cup along the free edge of said gasket, means for extracting air from said gasket suction cup, and means adapted for making a vacuum in said gasket and to restore the atmospheric pressure in said gasket.

3. Apparatus for extracting air from a space inside the suction cup provided on an object to be secured to a wall, comprising a jacket to enclose the object having an opening and a cover with a resilient wall to be hermetically sealed on said opening, means supported in said resilient wall having an internal extension, means exerting an elastic adjustable thrust to elastically protrude said extension against the object for applying it against the wall to which it is to be secured, means to adjustably limit the protrusion, a resilient annular member adapted to form a suction cup along the free edge of said gasket, a liquid tank, a conduit opening into said gasket, means to alternately connect said gasket to said tank and to the atmosphere through said conduit, a pump connected to said gasket, a pipe having a check-valve, and a cock connecting said gasket suction cup to said pump, said pump being adapted for exhausting the atmosphere from ago-91,015. 7

forexhausting the liqui Said connecting Number means. 230,179 PAUL SCHOEMANN. 711 432 REFERENCES CITED 0 1 The following references are of 'record in the 1,434,

file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date Dolly July 20, 1880 Lorenz et a1 Oct. 14, 1902 Gates June 7, 1904 Winkler May 9, 1922- Mead Oct. 31', 1922 

